Mind voyager is a blog that focuses on: self-help, subconscious awareness, mental health, hypnosis and even the paranormal and mysterious. Delve into the depths of your human psyche and explore your inner self.

July 04, 2012

6 types of mind enhancing nootropics that you could be taking!

Nootropics AKA Smart Drugs

We may all need it at times. A little pick-me-up that can help stimulate our grey matter.

Smart drugs have fast taken hold in our society. With hectic lifestyles and busy study periods being the norm - quite a few people have noticed they need some extra mental assistance and are turning to nootropics for the answer.

What exactly are nootropics?

Nootropics are supplements that you can take that will enhance and boost your cognitive and mental faculties. They are also widely known as "smart drugs" and many people all over the world take them on a daily basis for increased focus and higher mental functioning.

What are the more common types of nootropics?

Here are 6 types of mind enhancing nootropics that you could be taking:

The Racetams (piracetam, pramiracetam, oxiracetam and aniracetam amongst a few others)
the racetams are known to act as positive allosteric modulators of AMPA receptors - they also have actions on the Acetylcholinergic pathways. They have been used by people to assist them in memory improvements and for better left and right brain intercommunication and cognition.

Piracetam has also been used to treat recovering alcoholics with cognitive impairment.

Vinpocetine - has been marketed for it's vasodilation properties as well as a nootropic that boosts memory formation and recall. It may assist in activities that require increased concentration and focus as it also helps activate cerebral functions and metabolisation.

Ginkgo Biloba - is believed by some people to exhibit nootropic properties and for the most part is used for enhancing memory and concentration and for the treatment of vertigo.

L-Theanine - a main constituent of tea. L-Theanine promotes mental relaxation and stress relief. It has also been shown to improve mood and cognitive abilities as it works in synergy with the natural caffeine that's found in tea.
L-Theanine is a great stress relief tool and helps give you a 'relaxed' type of focus.

CholineBitartrate - is an essential nutrient needed by our nervous system for the synthesis of Acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter that assists with the transmission of neuron impulses. Acetylcholine is regarded by some mental health professionals as important for memory, cognition and sleep.

Picamilon - is an interesting combination of GABA + Niacin (to help cross the blood-brain barrier easier) generally marketed as a supplement for anxiety/depression/panic and alcohol withdrawal. Some users report great benefits from supplementing Picamilon in their dietary intake. Picamilon helps with blood flow and enhances brain functions. It is considered as a nootropic yet also exhibits some tranquilizing effects (without the lethargy) and can also have psychostimulating effects on some users.

These are just a few examples of some useful nootropics. They can be quite beneficial to your mental health and proper functioning. Always consult an expert physician before you take any supplements and do your homework before taking them.